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479 reviews by:
readwithmesashamarie
A million stars for Aurora Rising! Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff have been cemented as some of my favorite authors of all time. If they write it, I will read it.
I was a little hesitant at first when I realized we had a larger cast of characters, and that we follow each of their individual POV's throughout the novel. My hesitation disappeared only a few pages in. Each character is so unique and distinct that I was able to easily distinguish them from each other, and loved getting insight on the same crisis from another character.
I think I love these science fantasy books by Amie and Jay because I...well I don't feel smarter, but I definitely don't feel dumb while I'm reading them. Space exploration and the science behind spacecrafts goes way above my pay grade. I'm still amazed that airplanes or boats do what they do, I'm that type of person. You can explain the science but I'm still just in awe of these hunks of man made contraptions existing where they just...shouldn't. So space exploration is more than just a daunting feat of science, I can't wrap my mind around it. Amie and Jay approach their explanation of space crafts, space tools, space weapons, and space logic in a way that makes sense even to me, which I truly, really appreciate. It doesn't take me out of the novel because it's too complex, it's just enough space talk for me go to, Whoa...that's cool, but not so much that my brain hurts trying to figure out how that works.
Amie and Jay work so seamlessly together, this time I was trying (and mostly failing) to look and see who would've written what. Their sense of adventure is off the charts, and their understanding of people and their characters goes way below the surface. It was easy to feel the high stakes, and to form connections with these characters. The only thing I'm mad about is how long I have to wait for the next book to come out!
I was a little hesitant at first when I realized we had a larger cast of characters, and that we follow each of their individual POV's throughout the novel. My hesitation disappeared only a few pages in. Each character is so unique and distinct that I was able to easily distinguish them from each other, and loved getting insight on the same crisis from another character.
I think I love these science fantasy books by Amie and Jay because I...well I don't feel smarter, but I definitely don't feel dumb while I'm reading them. Space exploration and the science behind spacecrafts goes way above my pay grade. I'm still amazed that airplanes or boats do what they do, I'm that type of person. You can explain the science but I'm still just in awe of these hunks of man made contraptions existing where they just...shouldn't. So space exploration is more than just a daunting feat of science, I can't wrap my mind around it. Amie and Jay approach their explanation of space crafts, space tools, space weapons, and space logic in a way that makes sense even to me, which I truly, really appreciate. It doesn't take me out of the novel because it's too complex, it's just enough space talk for me go to, Whoa...that's cool, but not so much that my brain hurts trying to figure out how that works.
Amie and Jay work so seamlessly together, this time I was trying (and mostly failing) to look and see who would've written what. Their sense of adventure is off the charts, and their understanding of people and their characters goes way below the surface. It was easy to feel the high stakes, and to form connections with these characters. The only thing I'm mad about is how long I have to wait for the next book to come out!
Sad to say this one didn't get finished. I read over half of this book, but felt so out of place switching back and forth from the twins every chapter. I could not find my footing in the story, or the compassion to care what happened to anyone in it. This is a huge bummer because I loved the TV show and was hoping this would be a fun, spicy trip down that memory lane.
Also an editing note: the final straw for me was on page 192 of my edition, when Mardi is called Molly in Mardi's chapter. It was hard enough for the audience to keep the twins apart, but to have it written incorrectly was my breaking point. I get that it's a mistake, I'm not trying to crucify anyone for that, but if you're going to have alternating POV's of twins, triple quadruple check that you're writing the correct twins name...
Also an editing note: the final straw for me was on page 192 of my edition, when Mardi is called Molly in Mardi's chapter. It was hard enough for the audience to keep the twins apart, but to have it written incorrectly was my breaking point. I get that it's a mistake, I'm not trying to crucify anyone for that, but if you're going to have alternating POV's of twins, triple quadruple check that you're writing the correct twins name...
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free ARC of this novel. Regardless of the way I acquired the novel, the thoughts, opinions, and views stated in this review are completely unbiased and one hundred percent my own.
This review might start off sounding negative, but I promise it turns itself around. Hang in there with me.
I could not get into the beginning of this novel. The writing style kept throwing me out of the story, I didn’t feel actual tension between our two main characters, even though I was told repeatedly that it was there (and as a marketed hate turned to lovers novel that was a pretty solid issue for me). I really struggled for about 60% of the novel, and then I either go acclimated to the tone of the voice/writing style, or I got too swept up in the story to care.
There were a few distinct things that bothered me at first. I had a hard time keeping up with the setting or seeing what was around our characters. I didn’t get the distinction when they moved between rooms, or where they were spatially in scenes, and would oftentimes get thrown out of the story and surprised when they either ended up much closer than anticipated or farther away.
I also found some of the writing or scenarios to be a little more immature than I would have thought for a book of this genre. Sure, most romance novels have some suspended sense of immaturity, and I can accept that for the genre as a whole. But this one explained that our MC’s had had previous relationships, and it still felt like they had never dated before? It was a weird dichotomy of two people being well versed in sex, but who still talked and acted like they were in high school. Which might be okay for some, and if that’s your cup of tea, boom! This book is perfect for you!
Despite everything I just said, I did really enjoy myself while reading the latter half of this book. There were a few things in here that had me going, “Hey, I’ve had this fantasy before!” and it reconnected me to our characters. I also adored that they were stark contrasts physically. The representation in this novel is so wonderfully done, and the culture of both characters is appropriately appreciated. The author also dealt with how our main character handles being a woman in a male dominated industry, and how being a girl boss is crucial to her success, and OKAY! I loved these themes throughout, and thought it added some much needed depth to our female MC. Our male MC was deliciously swoon worthy, and it was nice to watch him come out of his shell.
Overall, I’d probably end up recommending this book to someone looking for a cute, steamy office romance. It’s not the best I’ve ever read, but it’s also no where near the worst. Seeing as this is a debut novel, I’ll definitely be keeping the author on my radar. I’m excited to see what she comes out with next, and to see if any of the things I took issue with in this novel sort themselves out in the next.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free ARC of this novel. Regardless of the way I acquired the novel, the thoughts, opinions, and views stated in this review are completely unbiased and one hundred percent my own.
This review might start off sounding negative, but I promise it turns itself around. Hang in there with me.
I could not get into the beginning of this novel. The writing style kept throwing me out of the story, I didn’t feel actual tension between our two main characters, even though I was told repeatedly that it was there (and as a marketed hate turned to lovers novel that was a pretty solid issue for me). I really struggled for about 60% of the novel, and then I either go acclimated to the tone of the voice/writing style, or I got too swept up in the story to care.
There were a few distinct things that bothered me at first. I had a hard time keeping up with the setting or seeing what was around our characters. I didn’t get the distinction when they moved between rooms, or where they were spatially in scenes, and would oftentimes get thrown out of the story and surprised when they either ended up much closer than anticipated or farther away.
I also found some of the writing or scenarios to be a little more immature than I would have thought for a book of this genre. Sure, most romance novels have some suspended sense of immaturity, and I can accept that for the genre as a whole. But this one explained that our MC’s had had previous relationships, and it still felt like they had never dated before? It was a weird dichotomy of two people being well versed in sex, but who still talked and acted like they were in high school. Which might be okay for some, and if that’s your cup of tea, boom! This book is perfect for you!
Despite everything I just said, I did really enjoy myself while reading the latter half of this book. There were a few things in here that had me going, “Hey, I’ve had this fantasy before!” and it reconnected me to our characters. I also adored that they were stark contrasts physically. The representation in this novel is so wonderfully done, and the culture of both characters is appropriately appreciated. The author also dealt with how our main character handles being a woman in a male dominated industry, and how being a girl boss is crucial to her success, and OKAY! I loved these themes throughout, and thought it added some much needed depth to our female MC. Our male MC was deliciously swoon worthy, and it was nice to watch him come out of his shell.
Overall, I’d probably end up recommending this book to someone looking for a cute, steamy office romance. It’s not the best I’ve ever read, but it’s also no where near the worst. Seeing as this is a debut novel, I’ll definitely be keeping the author on my radar. I’m excited to see what she comes out with next, and to see if any of the things I took issue with in this novel sort themselves out in the next.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free ARC of this novel. Regardless of the way I acquired the novel, the thoughts, opinions, and views stated in this review are completely unbiased and one hundred percent my own.
I definitely missed the boat when it came to The Kiss Quotient. After reading The Bride Test, I think it’s safe to say I’ll be backtracking and adding that book to my TBR. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem like the books are connected in the traditional way that a series would be. I was able to pick right up with these characters, and this plot, and away we went!
I’m not sure how to approach this novel’s review, other than to say first and foremost that I think the fact that this novel exists and is part of the discussion is extremely important. The different cultures highlighted here were amazing, and the representation of someone on the autism spectrum was truly eye opening.
I struggled with my own ignorance when it came to specific cultural norms, or references throughout this novel. That didn’t stop me from enjoying the story or our characters, but showed me personally where I could benefit from learning more about people who differ from me. There was a point while reading where I thought I was going to call it a loss, because the novel touches on the idea of an arranged marriage. However, I thought the author ultimately handled these situations with integrity, intelligence, and grace.
I’m honestly admonishing myself for not reaching for a book like this time and time again. The last book I can recall that dealt with these themes was Flowers for Algernon: a book I was required to read in middle school. I genuinely loved having a look inside the relationship of a person who considers themselves to be autistic. It felt less like voyeurism and more like education. The questions I’d never feel comfortable asking were dealt with so efficiently, and it never felt like I was reading a novel solely about a guy with autism. I was reading a novel about a guy and a girl who were getting to know each other, and learning more about themselves. The guy just so happens to have autism, and the girl just so happens to be a poor immigrant who might not be able to stay in America.
The story itself felt powerful, charming, and even playful at times. I admired Esme’s story, her determination, and the fact that her story is the story of so many immigrants around the world. I hope people pick up this novel, and get a chance to see themselves in these characters. For once, I didn’t see myself in a novel, but as a white woman that’s okay! I’m ready to read about people who are not like me, I’m ready for Asian women to feel seen, and for autistic people to feel understood. I’m glad this book exists, and I hope authors like Helen keep writing for more than people like me.
I definitely missed the boat when it came to The Kiss Quotient. After reading The Bride Test, I think it’s safe to say I’ll be backtracking and adding that book to my TBR. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem like the books are connected in the traditional way that a series would be. I was able to pick right up with these characters, and this plot, and away we went!
I’m not sure how to approach this novel’s review, other than to say first and foremost that I think the fact that this novel exists and is part of the discussion is extremely important. The different cultures highlighted here were amazing, and the representation of someone on the autism spectrum was truly eye opening.
I struggled with my own ignorance when it came to specific cultural norms, or references throughout this novel. That didn’t stop me from enjoying the story or our characters, but showed me personally where I could benefit from learning more about people who differ from me. There was a point while reading where I thought I was going to call it a loss, because the novel touches on the idea of an arranged marriage. However, I thought the author ultimately handled these situations with integrity, intelligence, and grace.
I’m honestly admonishing myself for not reaching for a book like this time and time again. The last book I can recall that dealt with these themes was Flowers for Algernon: a book I was required to read in middle school. I genuinely loved having a look inside the relationship of a person who considers themselves to be autistic. It felt less like voyeurism and more like education. The questions I’d never feel comfortable asking were dealt with so efficiently, and it never felt like I was reading a novel solely about a guy with autism. I was reading a novel about a guy and a girl who were getting to know each other, and learning more about themselves. The guy just so happens to have autism, and the girl just so happens to be a poor immigrant who might not be able to stay in America.
The story itself felt powerful, charming, and even playful at times. I admired Esme’s story, her determination, and the fact that her story is the story of so many immigrants around the world. I hope people pick up this novel, and get a chance to see themselves in these characters. For once, I didn’t see myself in a novel, but as a white woman that’s okay! I’m ready to read about people who are not like me, I’m ready for Asian women to feel seen, and for autistic people to feel understood. I’m glad this book exists, and I hope authors like Helen keep writing for more than people like me.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free ARC of this novel. Regardless of the way I acquired the novel, the thoughts, opinions, and views stated in this review are completely unbiased and one hundred percent my own.
There is a good chance this review is going to be an incoherent gush because I LOVED THIS BOOK AND THESE BOYS SO MUCH.
I don’t know who in the publishing/writing world decided summer 2019 would be Young Adult/New Adult Pride Summer but I am l i v i n g for the queer representation that’s been all over the book channels this summer. Yes. Queens. Live your literary truth.
Alex and Henry are the perfect characters, for me, in this novel. They were each so unique and individual, while leading seemingly parallel lives. I loved how their stories intertwine, how they meet, how their feelings for each other grow and unfurl like a beautiful peacock tail (I’m really not sure why that’s the imagery I came up with in this moment…).
I read another review that mentioned they wished Alex and Henry had alternating POV’s throughout the novel. I think I liked having this first novel be all Alex because it was his discovery of himself, and his mom’s big election, so it made sense that everything was handled through his world view. However, I love the idea of getting inside Henry’s POV, and if/when we get a book two, having Henry take the lead would be, everything.
I really just want to gush about how sweet, and cute, and steamy these two romantic boys are, but that would give away all the best parts of the novel. I definitely got very emotional more than a few times while reading their love story.
The only negative thing I have to say about this novel is that it got a little political heavy. This was totally in character for Alex, our future leader of the free world, but it got to be too much for me, the reviewer who can’t even watch an entire news segment without cringing or turning it off. That’s really the only reason this doesn’t get the full 5 star rating, because I found myself skimming over some of the political discussion just so I could get to our next scene faster.
Other than that I adored this book. I ADORED the setting, and the fact that our characters included the First Son of a female President, and the Prince of England. And I adored how they navigated their relationships with their family, their countries, and each other. You guys, just read it, okay. It’s so. Cute. I want to hug them both. Love is love is love is love is love...
4.5/5
There is a good chance this review is going to be an incoherent gush because I LOVED THIS BOOK AND THESE BOYS SO MUCH.
I don’t know who in the publishing/writing world decided summer 2019 would be Young Adult/New Adult Pride Summer but I am l i v i n g for the queer representation that’s been all over the book channels this summer. Yes. Queens. Live your literary truth.
Alex and Henry are the perfect characters, for me, in this novel. They were each so unique and individual, while leading seemingly parallel lives. I loved how their stories intertwine, how they meet, how their feelings for each other grow and unfurl like a beautiful peacock tail (I’m really not sure why that’s the imagery I came up with in this moment…).
I read another review that mentioned they wished Alex and Henry had alternating POV’s throughout the novel. I think I liked having this first novel be all Alex because it was his discovery of himself, and his mom’s big election, so it made sense that everything was handled through his world view. However, I love the idea of getting inside Henry’s POV, and if/when we get a book two, having Henry take the lead would be, everything.
I really just want to gush about how sweet, and cute, and steamy these two romantic boys are, but that would give away all the best parts of the novel. I definitely got very emotional more than a few times while reading their love story.
The only negative thing I have to say about this novel is that it got a little political heavy. This was totally in character for Alex, our future leader of the free world, but it got to be too much for me, the reviewer who can’t even watch an entire news segment without cringing or turning it off. That’s really the only reason this doesn’t get the full 5 star rating, because I found myself skimming over some of the political discussion just so I could get to our next scene faster.
Other than that I adored this book. I ADORED the setting, and the fact that our characters included the First Son of a female President, and the Prince of England. And I adored how they navigated their relationships with their family, their countries, and each other. You guys, just read it, okay. It’s so. Cute. I want to hug them both. Love is love is love is love is love...
4.5/5
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free ARC of this novel. Regardless of the way I acquired the novel, the thoughts, opinions, and views stated in this review are completely unbiased and one hundred percent my own.
I am a sucker for anything historical, so the fact that a majority of this story takes place during a Renaissance Faire had me hook, line, and sinker.
I really liked how much this novel focused on the challenges of starting over, and creating a space for yourself in a new place. Our main character, Emily, deals with a pretty nasty, possibly traumatic, breakup that leads her back to her sister and niece, who live in a very small town. After being persuaded into joining the Renaissance Faire, our MC finally begins to integrate herself into a community she can call her own. The insecurities she’s left with after the break up rear their head periodically throughout the novel, making Emily’s journey way harder than it ever needed to be. But I’m sure we’ve all been there at one time or another.
I loved so much about the setting and the characters of this book. When we weren’t interacting with wenches, pirates, or men in kilts at the Faire, we were setting up a bookshop and taking book orders from the local English teacher. I swear, all of these things are so on brand for me I could have written this novel myself (but I’m very thankful to Jen for writing it for me to devour instead!). I thought the romance was paced incredibly well, and the chemistry was off the charts!
I did find myself getting frustrated with how naive and damaged Emily was, which I admit isn’t fair at all. Things seemed very obvious to me the reader, but those same things would take Emily hearing the explanation from another character before she could catch up to what was actually going on. I’m not sure if that was an intentional character trait or not, but it felt like Emily was really emotionally underdeveloped for her age. Her trust and abandonment issues, while initially annoying, were spot on for the trauma Emily had experienced from her ex leaving her. While I found that quality annoying, I had to concede that it was an accurate representation of someone trying to form new relationships post trauma.
Overall, this was an incredibly fun book. I laughed out loud reading this more than I have reading anything in a very long time. It was so adorable, and left me incredibly nostalgic for the Renaissance Faire I missed out on last year in my own home town. I’ll definitely be going this year, and who knows. Maybe I’ll find my own pirate this time.
I am a sucker for anything historical, so the fact that a majority of this story takes place during a Renaissance Faire had me hook, line, and sinker.
I really liked how much this novel focused on the challenges of starting over, and creating a space for yourself in a new place. Our main character, Emily, deals with a pretty nasty, possibly traumatic, breakup that leads her back to her sister and niece, who live in a very small town. After being persuaded into joining the Renaissance Faire, our MC finally begins to integrate herself into a community she can call her own. The insecurities she’s left with after the break up rear their head periodically throughout the novel, making Emily’s journey way harder than it ever needed to be. But I’m sure we’ve all been there at one time or another.
I loved so much about the setting and the characters of this book. When we weren’t interacting with wenches, pirates, or men in kilts at the Faire, we were setting up a bookshop and taking book orders from the local English teacher. I swear, all of these things are so on brand for me I could have written this novel myself (but I’m very thankful to Jen for writing it for me to devour instead!). I thought the romance was paced incredibly well, and the chemistry was off the charts!
I did find myself getting frustrated with how naive and damaged Emily was, which I admit isn’t fair at all. Things seemed very obvious to me the reader, but those same things would take Emily hearing the explanation from another character before she could catch up to what was actually going on. I’m not sure if that was an intentional character trait or not, but it felt like Emily was really emotionally underdeveloped for her age. Her trust and abandonment issues, while initially annoying, were spot on for the trauma Emily had experienced from her ex leaving her. While I found that quality annoying, I had to concede that it was an accurate representation of someone trying to form new relationships post trauma.
Overall, this was an incredibly fun book. I laughed out loud reading this more than I have reading anything in a very long time. It was so adorable, and left me incredibly nostalgic for the Renaissance Faire I missed out on last year in my own home town. I’ll definitely be going this year, and who knows. Maybe I’ll find my own pirate this time.
DNF about 25% in. Nothing jived for me, and that's the nicest thing I can say about this one. =/ Disappointed because House of Night was my bread and butter growing up.
Okay...
When I found out this book was a parallel timeline to what happened in Empire of Storms I was not happy. I even thought about skipping this book entirely and going right into Kingdom of Ash. Instead I read a few reviews by people whose opinions I trust, and reviews by people I didn't know, and made the decision to just read it and get on with it.
Well...I have super mixed feelings. I liked it. There were some really great moments, plot points, relationship and character development. But most of the time I was just so frustrated that I was reading about this side quest (if you will) and not where the main action was. Especially after that cliff hanger!!! To the people who waited years between release dates, I commend you. Wow.
It doesn't help that at almost zero point in the first five books did I care about Chaol or Nesyrn...and this entire book is just their POV's. I honestly can't say that I care for either of them much more after reading Tower of Dawn. I have slight happy feelings towards them, but not much else.
I will give credit where credit is due. There were parts that had me on the edge of my seat, and even flipping ahead to see what happened, so kuddos for that. Sarah sure knows how to tell a story. But this gets only 3 stars from me because I probably won't read it again in my next reread of this series. Maybe KOA will change my mind somehow? And I'll want to come back to this for the origin story of relationships, etc.
When I found out this book was a parallel timeline to what happened in Empire of Storms I was not happy. I even thought about skipping this book entirely and going right into Kingdom of Ash. Instead I read a few reviews by people whose opinions I trust, and reviews by people I didn't know, and made the decision to just read it and get on with it.
Well...I have super mixed feelings. I liked it. There were some really great moments, plot points, relationship and character development. But most of the time I was just so frustrated that I was reading about this side quest (if you will) and not where the main action was. Especially after that cliff hanger!!! To the people who waited years between release dates, I commend you. Wow.
It doesn't help that at almost zero point in the first five books did I care about Chaol or Nesyrn...and this entire book is just their POV's. I honestly can't say that I care for either of them much more after reading Tower of Dawn. I have slight happy feelings towards them, but not much else.
I will give credit where credit is due. There were parts that had me on the edge of my seat, and even flipping ahead to see what happened, so kuddos for that. Sarah sure knows how to tell a story. But this gets only 3 stars from me because I probably won't read it again in my next reread of this series. Maybe KOA will change my mind somehow? And I'll want to come back to this for the origin story of relationships, etc.